I'd Rather Be Crocheting

the Crochet Doctor is in

2011-12-04T02:44:00.001-06:00

I've been in Seoul, South Korea for 3 months now. As with any international move, there has been emotional ups and downs, but my one constant "up" is crochet. If a crochet hook is in my hand then a smile is on my lips.

A highlight of my day has been playing crochet doctor for a member of Crochet Connection of Chicago, a Crochet Guild of America chapter. It is something I can actually do from 6500 miles away. This was the question:

"I'm working on a scarf but I'm having some difficulty with the pattern. I'm a bit of a newbie and was hoping someone could help me out. Here's the pattern:

"Row 1: Dc in 5th ch from hook, dc in next ch, *(dc, ch 3, dc) in next ch, sk next ch, dc in next 2 ch; rep from * across to last ch, dc in last ch - 4 pattern reps at the end of this row.
Row 2: Ch 4, turn, sk first 4 dc, *(3 dc, ch 3, dc) in next ch-3 space, sk next 4 dc; rep from * across to last 3 dc, sk last 3 dc, 3 dc in turning ch.

"I have row 1 done but I'm not sure what it means with the '4 pattern reps at the end of this row'
What messes me up is row 2. It says 'sk first 4 dc' but I'm lost as to what to do. I understand what it's saying but still lost. Any help? Thanks!"

This was my response:

It got me thinking of many others who need some help on their crochet projects. With the holiday season now in full swing, maybe that is you. If I could be of any help, please email me at tashchgo {at} yahoo {dot} com. The Crochet Doctor is in!

What do you want to see on this blog?

2011-08-17T18:37:00.000-05:00

Next week I'm off to South Korea to teach English for a year. While there, one of my projects is developing this crochet blog. What would you really like to see addressed on this blog? Tips, techniques, links, commentaries, etc. Write me at tashchgo{at}yahoo{dot}com with you requests and suggestions.

crochet connection of chicago

2011-04-19T23:03:00.000-05:00

This month the meetup.com group Crochet Connection has become the newest local chapter of the Crochet Guild of America. As the organizer/president, it is a great honor to work with the Crochet Connection members. I have so much fun whenever we gather! Visit the websites below for more information.

national Crochet Guild of America website
Crochet Connection of Chicago website

tip for crochet fatigue

2011-04-18T21:47:00.001-05:00

It is so easy to get caught up in a project and not realize that your fingers, wrist, back or eyes ache. And when you finally stop, you ask yourself, "what was I thinking!?" Today's tip: build break times into your pattern. I always make a photocopy of my patterns and then write all over them as I work my project. This also makes it easy to set break times within the pattern. Just write it in every 10 or so rows. You know your pattern and speed, so you decide how often.

At break time, get up and walk around. Do some finger aerobics, like alternating making a fist and spreading your fingers into a flat hand or make the sign language sign for "flash" repeatedly. Maybe some jumping jacks to get the blood flowing again. Certainly stretch out those tight places.

Eye strain can be a common nusance. Combat this by looking at things that are different distances away. Your crochet is rather close to you so look at something far away and then at something half that distance away. Vary the order that you look at those things and for how long. Allow your eyes to adjust to each distance. Think "eye aerobics."

Find out what works best for you during those break times. Your body will be less stressed from the constant repetition of crochet movements and you'll be able to crochet for longer periods of time.

betterfly.com

2011-03-09T22:04:00.001-06:00

Check out betterfly.com/tashiab! If you have ever been a student of mine, please leave a review under "what my clients say". It would really be helpful in finding new crochet students. Thanks!

infinity cowl and crochet socks

2011-02-27T22:59:00.001-06:00

This has been the week of getting projects done, off my plate and into the hands of someone else. :) Earlier in the week I completed an afghan that took a year to make, intended for Trinity. Today I complete two Christmas gifts. Not Christmas 2011 but Christmas 2010. (So you can see why I'm so excited!!)

First of all, today I finished an infinity cowl for Tabatha. I found it on ravelry, and you can view the pattern at http://brookeanndove.blogspot.com/2010/12/holy-crap-i-need-present-pronto.html. I started it last night and finished this afternoon. I think I spent 3-4 hours on it all together.

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/chi2cali/double-crochet-infinity-scarf-cowl

And secondly, I completed a pair of crocheted socks for Tyler. This pattern was a real find because the designer created a template that can be adapted to any yarn weight and gauge. (http://www.crochetandknitting.com/sockstemplate.htm) These socks are bulky weight made with a J-10 hook. The first was done in several sessions and felt like it took a long time because I was adjusting the template along the way and measuring the sock for Tyler's foot. The second sock was super easy and quick, taking me 3 hours.

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/chi2cali/crocheted-socks

tip for working in the round

2011-02-23T18:23:00.000-06:00

Today I finished my very first afghan. It took me a year to complete and it is a type of chronicle for my growing crochet skills. I learned an incredible amount about working in the round and joining pieces!

These lessons are now passed onto my students at Knit 1. (Interestingly, last Monday's beginning crochet class focused on working in the round and we made granny squares.) With this afghan, the most valuable working-in-the-round lesson I learned was the difference between working into the front of a stitch and working into the back. When working a project where you create ROWS, you are looking at the back of the stitches from the previous row. When working a project in the ROUND, you are looking at the front of the stitches from the previous row. In the picture below, item A is the back view and item B is the front view. Notice a difference? At the top of every crochet stitch is a "V". In item A, the back view, the "V" tip is to the left. In item B, the front view, the "V" tip is to the right.

This is very significant for knowing where to place your hook to create your next stitch. In the picture below, item C shows where you would place your hook to create a stitch when working into the back and it is to the left. Item D shows where you would place your hook to create a stitch when working into the front and it is to the right. When you are working in the round and continue to place your hook to the left, as if creating rows, then your stitches will be off by one space. This one space may not sound like a lot, but in most patterns it will make a big difference.

free patterns

2011-02-21T12:42:00.000-06:00

I found a blog with cute free necklace patterns. I suggested to Crochet Connection that we do the bib necklace as a crochet-a-long in March. Check it out: http://blog.a-common-thread.com/search/label/crochet.

finishing the master crochet course

2011-02-20T14:52:00.000-06:00

I have finally submitted my name for the master crochet course review. There has been a backlog of those submitting a portfolio for review so I expect to have a few more months to wait, then a month longer while it is being reviewed. In the meantime, I am remaking some of the swatches. I started the portfolio by using cotton and, based on the ravelry discussion, cotton does not do well with the reviewers. Somewhere near the end I switched to wool and now I'm returning to the beginning and remaking those that could really look better in wool.

Yesterday I went through my yarn, hooks and book stash and cataloged everything on ravelry. Whew! I think ravelry's "bookshelf" is really neat! It is so fun to see all of my books and magazines displayed that way. And the best part is that I can do a pattern search based on only MY books and magazines. So awesome! Not all my books and magazines were in ravelry's system, but life goes on.

My goal is to complete the the master's portfolio and the 2 unfinished projects (a filet crochet tank top and and afghan) before I begin any projects in my ravelry queue!! It does feel good to be productive and not procrastinate anymore. :)

sharing the creativity of crochet

2011-01-17T17:13:00.000-06:00

Prepping for a crochet class tonight. It is so awesome to be able to share crochet with others and give them an outlet for their creativity. Today I went through magazines looking for motif patterns that the students can work on. How fun! I'm excited for tonight's class.

Check out www.knit1chgo.com for more info!

update

2010-08-17T13:33:00.001-05:00

My website now has 188 hits! It makes me wonder 'Who is looking at my website!?' It's quite exciting.

My goal this week was to complete the masters crochet program but I don't think I'm gonna make it. Which means I'll have to ask for an extension. I've really enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone wanting to develop their crochet skills. The first half comes with descriptions as to how to create the swatch they are asking for, including diagrams for clarity. Chances are that if you've been crocheting a while and/or have done a variety of crochet projects then you can complete this program. For me this was money very well spent!! Visit the Crochet Guild of America website at www.crochet.org for more info.

I start a new series of the BEGINNING CROCHET CLASS and a brand-new series of TUNISIAN CROCHET PROJECT CLASS in September. Each series is 4 sessions. Visit http://tashiab.com/crochet_teaching_schedule OR www.knit1chgo.com for more info.

my early birthday present

2010-08-10T00:33:00.002-05:00

30 minutes before my birthday I open my inbox to find my official acceptance to North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. Woohoo!! I'll be getting my Master of Arts in Theological Studies with a concentration in Old Testament. I'M SO EXCITED! After 12 years, I am going back to school. Classes start in 3 weeks. I am soooo ready for this. Bring it on! LOL

30 minutes until ...

2010-08-09T23:30:00.002-05:00

30 minutes til my birthday! woohoo!!

encouragement

2010-08-07T19:55:00.000-05:00

One of my students at Knit 1 told me today that my teaching schedule from my website is one of her page favorites. Yeay! I'm on someone's favorites list!

I also just updated my teaching schedule with a Tunisian Crochet Project Class and new Beginning Crochet Class. These are both 4 session classes. Check it out and sign up today!
http://tashiab.com/Crochet_Teaching_Schedule.html

This evening I am seaming together the filet crochet tank top I've been working on for the last couple of months. It is almost done. But it may be set aside to complete the Masters Crochet program with a deadline at the end of August. If need be, I can ask for a 2-week extension. I'll have to see how it goes.

Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair 2010

2010-07-17T23:19:00.000-05:00

Today I went to the Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, IL. So much fun! I was able to spend time with some ladies from Crochet Connection, new friends from other meetup groups and ladies from Knit 1. Oh, the knowledge. Oh, the creativity! I was impressed many times with the absolute creativity and fiber genius I saw. Unfortunately, I'm not a big picture taker and looking over the ones I took, there were certain things that I wished I had taken pictures of. Like the mongo knitting needles and crochet hooks from Bagsmith Big Stitch. (Size U crochet hook!?!) All of the fiber was actually quite overwhelming. There were so many choices! Hand-spun and hand-dyed yarns are costly. I regret not having money to buy some of the great products I saw. But one day ...

my first Hairpin Lace project

2010-07-17T23:02:00.001-05:00

This is my very first attempt at Hairpin Lace Crochet. It is a skinny fashion scarf in white with a bit of sparkle to it. Very pretty. Very cute. So fun and easy! I will certainly do another hairpin lace project.

Basic Granny Square Stitch Diagram

2010-07-09T17:27:00.000-05:00

While preparing to teach on stitch diagrams, I was looking for the basic granny square stitch diagram but couldn't find one. This pattern is so simple that I understand the lack of need to have a diagram. Yet it is a great teaching tool. So I'm putting it here for those of you who can also make good use of it.

Other resources for crochet stitch diagrams are:
the Yarn Council of America - http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/chart_crochet.html
AND an article at dummies.com - http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-follow-a-stitch-diagram-in-crochet.html

The written pattern used for this basic granny square is ...

Chain 4, join with slip st to form a ring.

Rnd 1 (right side): Ch 3 (counts as first dc, now and throughout), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, (3dc in ring, ch 2) 3 times; join with slip st to first dc: 12 dc.

Rnd 2: Slip st in next 2 dc and in first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, * (3 dc, ch 2 , 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp (Shell made), ch 1; repeat from * around; join with slip st to first dc: 4 Shells.

Rnd 3: Slip st in next 2 dc and in first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, * work Shell in next Shell (ch-2 sp), ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1; repeat from * around; join with lip st to first dc.

Rnd 4-6: Slip st in next 2 dc and in first ch-2 sp, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same sp, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) across to next Shell, * work Shell in next Shell, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1) across to next Shell; repeat from * around; join with slip st to first dc; at end of last rnd, do not finish off: 72 dc.

Slip st in next 2 dc and in next ch-2 sp; work Edging.

HAVE FUN!!

Now at more locations!

2010-07-02T12:50:00.000-05:00

In addition to teaching crochet at Knit 1 (3823 N Lincoln), I will now be teaching at Nina (1655 W Division) as well! I love it!!

Check my website for the teaching schedule. Intermediate Crochet class at Knit 1 this month! I'm currently developing a Hairpin Lace Crochet workshop too.

TashiaB.com

Crochet Provisional Knitting Cast On

2010-07-02T12:43:00.000-05:00

So, I've recently learned to knit and found this method of casting on fascinating, as it uses a crochet hook!

"oh my" crochet!

2010-06-25T14:07:00.001-05:00

Talk about "oh my" crochet! Take a look at this wedding dress:

Read the article about it here: wedding dress. Now I don't know if I would ever take the time to create this dress from 2 miles of crochet thread, but it has a high WOW factor for me.

Tunisian and Intermediate Crochet update

2010-06-17T21:58:00.000-05:00

Just found out that I have 8 students for my Tunisian Crochet Workshop on Saturday. For those of you who don't know, the standard is 5 or 6 so this is a lot of students. But I'm not worried. It will be lots of fun!

Now I'm working on curriculum for intermediate crochet classes. Thanks masters course from CGOA!!

I'm having so much fun with my new crochet career!!

knitpicks does crochet

2010-06-16T16:44:00.001-05:00

Highly acclaimed [by knitters] KnitPicks FINALLY embraces crochet with gusto! Take a look: http://community.knitpicks.com/group/crochetalong

new website

2010-06-15T15:50:00.001-05:00

TashiaB.com

a little about myself

teaching schedule

crochet resources

What have I been up to? Well ...

2010-06-14T22:30:00.001-05:00

Another project is almost finished. (If you are on ravelry.com, you can see it here. It is further along than the picture, but you get the idea.)
Tunisian Crochet stitch samplers are done. I'm very proud of myself that I am on the ball with this one. The workshop is in 5 days!!
The work for my masters in crochet is moving right along too. I'm now on swatch 14 of 48. Whew!
I've started to formulate my ideas for a beginning crochet book. Naturally, I'm someone who likes to be thorough and precise, whether in words or tasks, and I need a book that I can use to compliment my teaching style. What I've seen out there are instruction books that are 3/4 patterns. Makes since, so that students can make something right away. But I don't want to add $15 to the class fee just so they can take the book home. I want to create a simple, yet comprehensive instruction book that I can use in my classes. My mind is just spining with ideas ...
Working on a professional crochet website where I can post my teaching schedule and turn this crochet hobby into a money making something-or-other. LOL
Ordered my first business cards as a crochet instructor. Thanks vistaprint! No, I did not fall for all that upselling garbage. Just paid for shipping - the "slow" method that only cost me $5.67. Yeah, I've worked in retail management and know how that game works. ;)
I've caught the Hairpin Lace Crochet bug. Oi!

the first 8

2010-06-05T01:11:00.001-05:00

The first 8 of 48 swatches for the Masters Crochet course are done! I call them the minis. They cover 8 different ways to start a project.

With all of the ways to make stitches in crochet, this course will not be boring. I'm looking forward to it! I'd really like to move onto swatch 9 but, alas, I must sleep ...

Woohoo!! (the Masters from CGOA)

2010-06-02T20:41:00.001-05:00

Woohoo!! For about 6 months now I have been developing my crochet skills. One of the things I really wanted to do was the Masters course from the Crochet Guild of America (www.crochet.org). Up until May 1 it was unavailable due to updating. On May 1st it was released! I wanted to get it soooo bad. But I didn't have the money due to moving just weeks before. New paycheck ... new opportunities. I am now in possession of the Masters of Advanced Crochet Stitches and Techniques!! Woohoo!

Sold Out!!

2010-05-27T22:12:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I found out tonight that the Tunisian Crochet class that I am teaching in 3 weeks is booked. SOLD OUT! Wow! I knew if I was able to offer crochet classes beyond the basic level that there would be a response. And Tunisian Crochet attracts both the crocheter and the knitter, since the technique is really a blend of both. This is so awesome! Do ya think I should do it again!? LOL

www.knit1chgo.com

The drive to CREATE

2010-05-21T15:07:00.002-05:00

I'm go excited about a little crochet group that is growing one person at a time. In 2 months we have doubled in size! Now at 45 members. After making June's schedule, I am more excited than ever. Crocheting at the Gospel Music Festival in Millennium Park on June 5, joining in the World Wide Knit in Public Day at the French Market downtown on June 12 and our very first monthly workshop on June 19. The workshop has gotten the quickest response of any previous meetup. What a hunger there is for crochet knowledge! It warms my heart.

How amazing it is that in a day when machines can make our clothes, accessories and home decor, we still have this drive to create them. At Knit 1, people continue to sign up for knitting and crochet classes. (We just scheduled new beginning crochet classes and Tunisian crochet basics classes.) There is just something about making something with your hands. Yesterday was the second beginning crochet class and the students came in showing off what they had made with there new skills. It is amazing how a hook and yarn can make you feel. I guess it all makes since when you think that we were made in the image of our CREATOR and we were given his desire to CREATE. :)

www.meetup.com/crochet-connection

www.knit1chgo.com

My visit to the knitting guild

2010-05-18T22:38:00.001-05:00

So tonight I visited the Windy City Knitting Guild. I know. I'm not a knitter ... yet. But I was invited by Lynn, the owner of Knit 1. Figured it would be a great opportunity to network, attract some crochet students and business to Knit 1 and see how this guild operates. Upon arriving, I was warmly greeted and all the women in my row made me feel very welcome. At the onset of the meeting, of course, guests were asked to introduce themselves. So I did, saying that Lynn of Knit 1 invited me. When asked how long I have been knitting, I said that I wasn't a knitter but a crocheter. An uproar exploded in the room! But I was quickly reassured by the leadership and those sitting around me that I was welcome anyway. (I knew it. That's what all the knitting groups say.) Minutes later Lynn walked in late. She was asked to give an update on Knit 1. (It having reopened since the last monthly meeting.) Lynn was very gracious to include me in her spiel and gloated about what a great teacher I am, since she finally learned how to crochet. My feelings were not hurt by the uproar moments earlier, simply surprised by the loud response. Yet I felt vindicated in my presence at a knitting guild meeting but not being a knitter. I did say Lynn invited me. LOL

Despite the "kink" in the evening, I had a really good time. Learned a lot about the Navajo-Churro sheep, its history, its wool and its significance to today's fiber artists (like me!). I think once Lynn teaches me to knit that I just might join this guild!

It is finished!! Yeay!

2010-05-17T19:06:00.000-05:00

Finally! It is finally finished and I am very happy with the way it turned out. It took 6 hours of my day today but I think it was well worth it. Not only to finish a project but to finish it in time for the birth of the baby. On to the next project-in-progress that it due to be completed - a store sample for Knit 1.

Today's Mission ...

2010-05-16T19:15:00.001-05:00

Today's mission is to finish the baby afghan for my cousin's baby due next month. Just a few more rows and then I can do the edging. Whew! It's a super cute afghan and I'm so excited to share it with my cousin. Tifany - don't be afraid to use it!

front side

back side

Yarn, Yarn & More Yarn

2010-05-14T15:39:00.000-05:00

I first picked up a crochet hook over 7 years ago purely on a whim. While perusing the isles of Micheal's Arts & Crafts store in Pasadena, CA, I became mesmerized by all of the yarn. The colors ... the textures ... the possibilities. I was inspired to be creative. Finding myself in front of the "yarn accessories", I had a decision to make - knit or crochet. Most pattern books had instructions in the back and I thought that I could surely figure it out. Seriously, it came down to economics. A set of 5 crochet hooks were the same price as one or two sets of knitting needles. Since I didn't know what size needles to get, I went for the set of hooks thinking they'd give me more options for less money.

Yep, I learned to crochet from the back of a pattern book. Since no one was around to catch my little mistakes or "bad habits", it has taken years to call myself "proficient." Now I get to pass on my crochet wisdom to others through the Crochet Connection meetup group and teaching crochet classes at Knit 1. These are both new developments and one really came out of the other.

For Christmas 2009 gifts, I didn't have much money to spend. So I decided to pick up my crochet hook and make them - mostly scarves. Wow, I had forgotten how much I truly enjoy the craft of crochet. The creativity is so expressive and its repetitive nature is so relaxing. These are the reasons I stuck with it in the first place. Duh! My new year's resolution for 2010: pursue the art of crochet by developing my skills and interacting with the greater crochet community. So I got instructional DVDs and pattern books for Christmas and started looking for a group to crochet with. The two best ways were meetup.com and local yarn stores (LYS). There are many knitting groups - open to crocheters - on meetup.com but when I visited them I found people who did not know how to crochet and, instead, spoke the language of knitting that was very foreign to me. I haven't been back since. Then there was one group just for crocheters. One problem: there were no meetups scheduled after I joined the group. I waited ... and waited ... and waited. Finally, I emailed the organizer and learned she just got engaged and was planning the wedding within only a few months, i.e., no time for the crochet group. About two months later, meetup.com sent a notice to all group members saying that the organizer had stepped down, had not nominated a replacement and the group would close in two weeks if someone didn't step up to organize it. Is it me? Do I want to do it? Do I want more leadership responsibility in my life? Oi! You guessed it, I did it. I became the organizer. But I really like doing it. No regrets here!

In my search to find fun and diverse meetup locations, I found Knit 1 - a cute yarn store in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago. The store had just come under new ownership and my email was the first she received. Divine appointment? Most assuredly. Not only does Crochet Connection have a meetup location but I am now a crochet instructor. I'm currently in my first series of beginning classes and am developing other classes, like Tunisian Crochet. I will be developing an intermediate class soon. (In my research, intermediate crochet classes are rare. As someone who was once earnestly looking for such an opportunity, I know there is a market for it.)

My goal is to take every opportunity that comes my way to advance the art of crochet. :)